The Complete Guide To Cleaning A Pet-Friendly Home

By  Hunker Team Updated
cleaning after your pet Chloe Millar/Hunker.com

Pet parents know just how much love, happiness, and fun a pet can add to your home. Unfortunately, they also add hair, dander, dirt, and odors. But animal lovers shouldn't despair. Here are a few tips and tricks for staying a step ahead of the mess.

Tip 1: Buy the Right Vacuum

Anyone who's ever tried to vacuum pet hair with a subpar machine knows how frustrating it can be. The Miele HomeCare Collection sports enhanced features that make cleaning a dream for pet-loving neat freaks. Most units come standard with 2 additional cleaning accessories, along with a HEPA AirClean Filter to free the air of dust and dander. These vacuums are not only powerful, but also very quiet ... so you do not have to worry about interrupting your pet's afternoon nap.

Tip 2: Bust Pet Odors with an Easy DIY Spray

Love the pet, hate the pet odor? Makes sense. No one wants to be the pet owner whose house everyone avoids. This all-natural smell-busting spray is cheap, easy, and nontoxic.

Combine in a clean spray bottle:

  • 2 cups of lukewarm water
  • 2 cups of white vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons of baking soda
  • 1/2 cup of orange and lemon peels

Shake it up and spray carpets, upholstery, cushions, and pet beds to remove odor.

Tip 3: Ensure Paw Hygiene

There's nothing you love more than your furry friend's precious paw pads—except when they track dirt and mud into your house. Our pals over at Cuteness have created an ingenious solution to dirty paws: A DIY paw-cleaner that makes hygiene easy.

Tip 4: Brush Your Pet

brush your petCuteness/ Leaf Group

The first step in the battle against shedding is brush, brush, brush. Even short-haired pets should get groomed regularly. Be sure to use your Miele vacuum to thoroughly clean the area where the brushing was done.

Tip 5: Know Your Lint-Removal Options

lint removalCuteness/ Leaf Group

In addition to using your Miele vacuum cleaner to get hair off the floor, furniture, and accessories, you want to make sure your clothes are fur-free. Adhesive lint rollers are an absolute must in any home with fur babies, but, if you've run out, try using the sticky side of your press-and-seal plastic wrap, or, if you're in the office, look for adhesive shipping label pouches.

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